​The Nigerian midfielder is coming off a disappointing stint with Premier League side Crystal Palace. Recall that he had to join them last summer due to Getafe’s financial struggles.

​This summer, the club's financial situation appears to be improving, which would allow the Super Eagles star to settle in and play for Getafe next season.

​However, he might still be set for a move. This comes as Getafe president Ángel Torres has admitted that they are open to selling Uche, provided they receive a suitable offer.

​“Uche has a contract with Palace until the 30th, so we can’t do anything. He doesn’t mind coming back, and the coach wants him. If there’s an offer and we agree on it, we’ll sell him,” president Torres said.

​Real Betis and Everton Are Eyeing Christantus Uche

​Ángel Torres' comments about Uche are understandable, as Getafe is a selling club that requires funds to comply with La Liga's financial regulations.

​Meanwhile, Real Betis and Everton have been credited with an interest in Uche. They were linked to the 23-year-old star as early as last month, but neither has made a credible move just yet.

​However, Getafe coach José Bordalás will likely be against a sale, as Uche is one of his most trusted players. He is already set to lose Mauro Arambarri and Luis Milla this summer, so having Uche back would be a real boost.

​The versatile Nigerian is currently valued at €12 million on Transfermarkt. This represents a significant increase in his value, as Getafe paid just €500k for him two years ago.

The three-time African Champions are missing out on a spectacle that has seen Cape Verde, Morocco, and DR Congo make history.

The story dates back to 2022, after the Super Eagles lost to Ghana in the play-offs, allowing the Black Stars to seal a place in Qatar at Nigeria's expense. With the next edition set for a 16-team addition, one would think it'd be a walk in the Park for Nigeria.

It was the opposite. In the first four qualifying games under Jose Peseiro and Finidi George, the Super Eagles secured three out of a possible twelve points, a dreadful start for the supposed giants of Africa.

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Victor Osimhen, who would later finish as the top scorer of Nigeria's qualifying group, coincidentally, didn't play those four games.

Eric Chelle was brought in with an aim – take Nigeria to the World Cup, and while the Franco-Malian tactician did a brilliant job of winning four games and drawing two to help seal a play-off spot, it was a little too late.

South Africa topped the group with 18 points from ten games, which was the lowest tally of any team that topped a group on the African Continent. The Super Eagles lost the play-offs to DR Congo, but Chelle's situation produces two hypothetical scenarios for Nigeria's World Cup fate.

Had Nigeria won all six games under the former RC Lens defender, they'd have been drawn into Group A of the 2026 World Cup alongside hosts Mexico, Czechia and South Korea.

If they'd defeated DR Congo via the play-off route, they'd have been placed in Group K alongside Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan.

With the talent available at Eric Chelle's disposal, Soccernet.ng breaks down how far the Super Eagles would have gone at the 2026 FIFA World Cup if they had qualified.

The ability of Nigeria's current squad

In goal is Maduka Okoye, who kept ten clean sheets in the Serie for Udinese, and has been garnering interest from clubs in Europe's top five leagues. Besides the Germany-born Nigerian goalkeeper, Wrexham's Arthur Okonkwo and Stanley Nwabali are options that hold the ability to deputise without a drop in quality when needed.

The defensive unit is the most underappreciated part of this squad's potential. Emmanuel Fernandez, who has also been linked to Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen after his breakout season at Rangers, has shown he can compete when called upon.

That, combined with Calvin Bassey's leadership and Semi Ajayi's ability in the air, would've been impenetrable for several teams, considering the duo kept four clean sheets in the knockout stages of the AFCON 2025. Igoh Ogbu and Chibuike Nwaiwu are also solid options off the bench.

Alex Iwobi grew into his passing peak in Morocco, with many nicknaming the Fulham midfielder ‘Iwobinho'. That form, alongside the energy of Frank Onyeka and Wilfred Ndidi in midfield, would offer a perfect blend. While none of them are world-class players in isolation, they collectively provide the kind of balance that tournament football needs.

Then there is the attack, arguably the most devastating the country can boast of in the 21st century. Victor Osimhen came off the back of another trophy with Galatasaray, while Ademola Lookman ended his season after putting goals past Barcelona and Real Madrid, showing he can do his job against the very best defenders.

The rise of Femi Azeez and Philip Otele adds another dynamic off the bench for Chelle, and the team could rely on the experience of Moses Simon and Paul Onuachu. Then, there's Akor Adams who's on the back of ten league goals for Sevilla.

Could the Super Eagles have reached the knockouts?

In an expanded format where 32 of 48 teams advance, a squad of this quality would need to beat one of their opponents and draw their other to be guaranteed progression to the Round of 32.

However, evidence from this tournament shows that Nigeria could've done much more. DR Congo held Portugal to a draw, and Morocco did the same against Brazil before they beat Scotland.

Nigeria's squad, on paper, is stronger than DR Congo's, stronger than Algeria's, and at least is on par with Morocco's. If the Leopards can hold Portugal, a Nigerian team led by Osimhen and Lookman could have beaten almost any opponent placed in front of them at this stage of the competition.

The knockouts, on the balance of how the team have grown under Eric Chelle would have been minimum expectation, and with the test against Poland and Portugal earlier this month, many have opined that the team could have made their maiden quarter-final appearance, but those are only ifs and maybes at the moment.

Nigeria's qualification failure was not a reflection of this squad's quality. It was, as Gernot Rohr put it, a failure of collective organisation during the campaign itself.

“I also think about how Nigeria hasn’t participated since 2018,” the former Super Eagles coach said in an interview with Footy Africa.

“I believe this is because when we faced them in the group stage, even though they had great individual players with immense quality, they simply didn’t play like a team early on and dropped too many points.

“It is truly a pity that major players like Osimhen, Chukwueze and Lookman are not here to be seen.

“For me, it’s a pity. I was in New York. I could see some games. I’m heading back home now and will be following other games from my home.” the 72-year-old concluded.

On the pitch, with this group of players fully focused and fully committed, the round of 32 and beyond was absolutely within reach.

Nigeria's greatest consolation is that most of these players will still be available for the 2030 World Cup qualifiers, giving them a chance to rewite their mistakes

Osimhen has attracted interest from several top European clubs, with Manchester United, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona all reportedly monitoring his situation and stepping up efforts to strengthen their attacks.

His remarkable goalscoring form has contributed to that. Since arriving at Galatasaray in 2024, Osimhen has scored an impressive 59 goals in 74 appearances, establishing himself as one of the best centre-forwards in world football.

Despite the increased attention, Galatasaray are determined to keep hold of their star striker and the Turkish champions recently rejected an offer worth €120 million from Atletico Madrid, although their firm stance has not discouraged other clubs from continuing to express interest in signing the 27-year-old.

Galatasaray maintain firm stance on Victor Osimhen’s future

Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen has repeatedly expressed his desire to remain at Galatasaray beyond this summer and has constantly spoken highly of the club’s supporters. 

Galatasaray are also unwilling to sell the Super Eagles forward, give his importance to the team as they look to maintain their dominance in the Turkish league and make a stronger impact in Europe next season. 

The Cimbom could also lose Argentine striker Mauro Icardi, making it even more important for them to retain Osimhen rather than allow two experienced forwards leave in the same summer.

According to Forza Cimbom, Galatasaray recently received another offer in the region of €125 million from one of the clubs interested in the former Napoli forward. However, the Turkish giants immediately rejected the proposal and remain uninterested in any sale.

“No way, buddy, go mind your own business.”

Galatasaray’s decision to reject another major offer is a strong indication that they are not willing to part ways with Osimhen and could see the 27-year-old remain at Galatasaray for another season.

However, with several months still remaining in the transfer window, the situation could still change. Manchester United have identified Osimhen as a dream target and are willing to complete a sensational transfer this summer as they look to rebuild their squad, while Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are also still in the picture.

For now, Osimhen remains a Galatasaray player and is expected to enter his third season at the club, hoping to help the Turkish champions win more silverware.

England, World Cup winners in 1966, currently lead Group L after defeating Croatia 4-2 in one of the most entertaining matches of the opening round in North America. The result was particularly significant because it is England's first World Cup victory over a FIFA top-15 ranked nation since their famous win against Argentina at the 2002 tournament.

Captain Harry Kane delivered a captain's performance with two goals, while Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford also found the net. The attacking display immediately pushed England into discussions alongside defending champions Argentina, Spain, Germany and France as leading contenders for the title.

Several traditional football powers have enjoyed strong starts to the competition. Germany have been particularly impressive, collecting six points from their opening two matches after a 7-1 demolition of Curaçao and a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast. Argentina opened their campaign with a commanding 3-0 win against Algeria, inspired by a Lionel Messi hat-trick, the first of the tournament.

France also began strongly with a 3-1 victory over Senegal, while Spain recovered from a frustrating goalless draw against Cape Verde by thrashing Saudi Arabia 4-0. Brazil bounced back from a draw against Morocco to defeat Haiti 3-0, while Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo.

World Cup: Alex Iwobi explains why England are his favourites

Despite the strength of the other contenders, Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi believes England possess the depth and quality needed to go all the way.

“I personally believe England have a great, great chance,” he told SkySports. “I mean they got so many stars in the team, so much ability. Even the ones that are not starting, anyone that comes off the bench can hurt the opposition team.

“So, I'll say England, but I also believe in France. Of course the attacking threat that France have is scary but I'd actually hope England win it.

“Hopefully, hopefully it's coming home. Premier League is home (referring to Arsenal's title win after more than two decades. So hopefully the World Cup is coming home as well.”

Tuchel's squad selection has attracted attention throughout the tournament. The German coach surprisingly left out high-profile names such as Phil Foden and Cole Palmer, preferring a system built around pace, direct attacking football and tactical discipline.

At the centre of that plan is Kane, who arrived at the World Cup after scoring 58 goals for Bayern Munich during the club season. Bellingham continues to be the creative force in midfield, while Arsenal's Declan Rice provides balance and defensive security. Bukayo Saka offers width on the right flank, and Rashford's pace has flourished under Tuchel's attacking approach.

Anthony Gordon and Morgan Rogers have also emerged as important figures, giving England extra speed and energy in wide areas. At the back, John Stones leads the defence, while experienced goalkeeper Jordan Pickford remains England's trusted number one with more than 85 international appearances.

England's next World Cup match is against Ghana, with the Black Stars backed by a former Nigeria international to pick up a positive result against the Three-time Lions.

​The 26-year-old marksman struggled in his first six months in Spain after arriving from Montpellier in France.

However, he found his form last season, especially from January. He formed a ruthless partnership with Victor Osimhen in Nigeria's attack at the Africa Cup of Nations.

​Then, after he returned to his club at the end of AFCON, he contributed ten goals and three assists in 32 appearances to help them avoid relegation.

​This summer, Adams' future has been a big topic at Sevilla, despite him still having three years left on his contract. There is a belief that the club wants to cash in on him due to their financial struggles.

​They value him at €20 million, which is almost quadruple the price they paid for him in January 2025. They intend to secure a profit, reinvest in a cheaper player, and keep the remainder to help them meet La Liga's financial regulations.

​Akor Adams Now Attracting Interest From England, France, and Italy

​Adams has been linked with a transfer to the Premier League, with Sunderland among the clubs rumored to be interested in him.

​French giants Olympique Marseille have also been linked to the former Lillestrom man, but they have been hesitant to commit.

​Now, according to Vamos Sevilla, unnamed Serie A clubs have also shown interest in the Super Eagles star.

​Recall that Sevilla wants €20 million for Adams, but Premier League and Ligue 1 clubs were initially adamant about not paying such a fee.

​Now, with Serie A clubs joining the race, Los Nervionenses are likely to stick to their valuation due to the high demand.

​Meanwhile, the Super Eagles star has never expressed a desire to leave Seville.

​This summer promises to be an interesting one for Adams, but he will definitely prioritize a club where he receives regular playing time.

The Al-Ahli defender captained Nigeria through the World Cup qualifiers before announcing his retirement from International football after the Super Eagles failed to qualify, losing the play-offs to DR Congo, who did well to hold Portugal in their opening group game.

Ekong represented Nigeria at three AFCON tournaments, winning the bronze medal in 2019, scoring against South Africa en route, before replicating the same at the AFCON 2023, where he won the silver medal and the tournament's MVP award.

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World Cup: Troost-Ekong explains why South Africa may exit the World Cup

Bafana Bafana have accrued just a point from their opening two fixtures. The first game against Mexico ended in a loss, and two red cards for Hugo Broos men.

While the next game against Czechia was much improved, a point only complicated the situation of the one-time African Champions.

Ekong, weighing in on the situation, revealed that anything but a win will see South Africa become the first team to go home from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“I think I probably agree [with Bafana’s critics] in a sense that the opening game wasn’t where everyone expected them to be,” the 32-year-old said in a round table of journalists in quotes revealed by Goal.

“Normally they [Bafana] have a very clear playing style, and it was good to see that in the second game [against Czechia],” Ekong continued.

“Bafana were consistent in the qualifiers, and we [Nigeria] were playing catch-up from the first game, and we dropped a lot of points, so at the end they qualified and we didn’t.

“So, they deserve to be at the World Cup.”

While Mexico have already qualified from Group A, there are still other spots up for grabs. South Korea are currently on three points while Czechia and South Africa share one.

A point will guarantee the Taeguk Warriors a place in the next round. Because they're well known for their high intensity and tactical discipline, Ekong opines that the mental weight will be tough for the Bafana Bafana to carry.

“It’s going to be challenging for Bafana, especially because they will be missing some players due to suspension. It’s going to be a huge pressure game,” the former Super Eagles captain warned.

“They were a lot better against Czechia, but it won’t be easy for them to beat [South] Korea.”

To worsen their fate, South Africa will be without key players like Themba Zwane and Sphephelo Sithole, who have been suspended following their red cards against Mexico.

The 41-year-old made history on June 17 by becoming the first outfield player to start in six different FIFA World Cups. However, the landmark appearance ended in disappointment as Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by African debutants DR Congo in their Group K opener.

Ronaldo, who has been outshone by Messi, stayed on the pitch for the entire 90 minutes but failed to score or provide an assist. His performance worsened the growing concerns surrounding his role in Roberto Martinez's team.

Statistics from the match showed Ronaldo managed just two shots, none of them on target, while recording only 25 touches throughout the game. Despite completing 19 of his 20 passes, 17 of those passes went backwards as Portugal struggled to break down a disciplined Congolese defence.

The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star has now gone 10 consecutive major tournament matches without scoring for Portugal, stretching back to Euro 2024. His last World Cup goal came during Portugal's group-stage match against Ghana at the 2022 tournament. Ronaldo also failed to score when Portugal faced Nigeria's Super Eagles in a friendly on the eve of the World Cup.

Reports after the match also revealed moments of frustration among Portugal players, with midfielder Bruno Fernandes appearing unhappy with Ronaldo's positioning as the team searched for a winning goal.

Despite increasing calls for the Portuguese captain to be dropped, Martinez has publicly backed the five-time Ballon d'Or winner ahead of Portugal's crucial second Group K match against Uzbekistan on Tuesday.

Oliseh advises Portugal on Cristiano Ronaldo's best role

Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh believes Portugal can still benefit from Ronaldo, but only if the veteran striker is used differently.

Speaking on the Global Football Insights podcast, the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winner said Ronaldo's evolution as a player means he can no longer influence games for a full 90 minutes at the highest level.

“Ronaldo is exceptional, but he's gone from being a great dribbler to being a fox in the box. He's adapted his game to fit his age.

“He's very fit. But at the World Cup, they don't need the fox in the box anymore… This team is very young, and they're creative. For that reason, they need movements in attack.”

Oliseh argued that Portugal's youthful squad requires a more mobile forward line capable of constantly stretching defenders and creating spaces for attacking midfielders.

According to the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder, Ronaldo's greatest value now lies in shorter appearances where he can deliver maximum intensity rather than conserving energy over an entire match.

“I think it's better he plays 35 minutes where he can give a 100% than try to play through 90 minutes and not be at his best.

“This team is very young, and they're creative. For that reason, they need movements in attack. He's taking a place that's very strategic.

“Strikers don't have to always wait for balls in the modern age. He has scored loads of goals, but there's a reason they say when you get to 32, 34 as a footballer, start writing your retirement letters. You cannot think you are going to play forever. At some point, he has to stop.”

Portugal will seek their first victory of the tournament against Uzbekistan while Martinez must decide whether to continue relying on his iconic captain from the start or adopt the former Super Eagles star's suggestion of using him as a high-impact substitute.

The decision could play a major role in determining how far Portugal progress in the competition. The 2016 European champions have never lifted the World Cup, with their best showing being at the 1966 edition where they finished in third place.

Several traditional powerhouses have enjoyed strong starts to the expanded 48-team tournament, while others have already faced unexpected challenges.

Germany became one of the first nations to secure a place in the Round of 32 after crushing Curaçao 7-1 before coming from behind to beat Ivory Coast 2-1. Defending champions Argentina also made a statement with a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria, inspired by a Lionel Messi hat-trick.

France opened their campaign with a 3-1 win over Senegal, while England defeated Croatia 4-2 in Dallas. The Netherlands recovered from a draw against Japan by thrashing Sweden 5-1, and co-hosts the United States and Mexico have already booked their places in the knockout rounds with maximum points from two matches.

World Cup 2026: Onazi refuses to pick favourites

Despite the impressive performances from some of football's biggest nations, Onazi insists the competition remains too unpredictable to single out a favourite.

The former Lazio midfielder, who has been impressed by Messi's timeless displays, pointed to the difficult starts experienced by Portugal and Spain as evidence that early results can be misleading. Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their opening Group K match, while Spain suffered a shock goalless draw against World Cup debutants Cape Verde before responding with a comfortable 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia.

“Well, the World Cup is still just getting started,” the former Lazio ace said as per the Punch. “We can’t say anything about favourites now. It’s too early. Looking at different countries with terrible first games, like Portugal, even Spain and they’ve played well in their next game.

“So let’s see how the second matches come up till the round of 32, then we will see how the sharp teams will look like,” Onazi said.

Argentina, France, Germany, Spain, Italy and Brazil have won the last six editions of the World Cup in that order.

The 30-year-old became a key figure for Fulham under Marco Silva, breaking the Premier League record for the Nigerian with most appearances, while also reaching a career-high milestone for goal involvements in a top-flight season.

However, the Cottagers stalled on renewing the contract of the former Watford coach, and many believe that decision played a key role in derailing the team's European ambitions, as they fell short by just a point.

Silva has now signed for Benfica on a two-year deal with the option to extend for another year. This came after Jose Mourinho decided to join Real Madrid.

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Alex Iwobi maintains Fulham are unfazed by Silva's exit

The Cottagers are reportedly in talks with former Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa, but no agreement has been reached yet. Recently, Championship title-winning manager, Frank Lampard, who previously coached Iwobi at Everton, has also been linked with the vacancy at the West London club.

Quizzed about how he feels regarding the uncertainty of the manager who'll be at the dugout next season, the Super Eagles centurion remained calm, trusting in his own abilities to adapt to any systems brought in by the new coach.

“Yeah, I mean, I can only go off my experience with the national team and at Everton,” the one-time FA Cup winner said in quotes revealed by TalkSPORT.

“I've had several managers there, so it won't be difficult for me to adapt.

“We'll be ready to play whoever the manager is.”

The former Arsenal man has been very vocal about how Frank Lampard revived his career when he was at Everton, and is now open to working with the Coventry City coach again, if the opportunity presents itself.

“Of course, I've worked with Frank Lampard before and he's someone I really enjoyed working with.

“But I don't really mind as long as the manager that comes in wants to help better the club and so do the players.

“So whoever the manager is, we're ready to work with them.

“Obviously when we got told that Marco was leaving, I was active.

“Thinking, ‘Oh no, who are we going to get in next?'

“But ever since then, it's been pretty quiet,” the AFCON 2023 silver medallist concluded.

Iwobi's contract with Fulham runs until the summer of 2028, and by then, he'll be 32 years old.

The 2026 edition, jointly hosted by Canada, the United States of America and Mexico, has had several spectacular moments, one of which the Super Eagles could've been a part of if they qualified.

What makes Nigeria's position worse is that ten African Nations are competing at the Copa Mundial, the highest number since the inception of the tournament.

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Chikelue Iloenyosi laments Super Eagles' World Cup absence

The four-cap Super Eagles defender, in an interview with Ay Shuga, hit out at the players for their failure to do what was needed to qualify for the World Cup.

“How can I be happy? Players are feeling very, very bad, of course. If they have a chance to be in the World Cup, they will be in the World Cup to prove themselves,” the 47-year-old said.

The three-time African Champions had three coaches during the World Cup qualifiers, and while many have blamed the team's failure to qualify on coaching inconsistency, the former Al-Ittihad defender opined that the players are the real culprits.

“Some people in the national team might not see the World Cup again because of their age.

“I'm not happy we did not qualify for the World Cup because we've gotten a coach that came to stabilise the team.

“If you see the standard of the games we are playing now, you can know the coach wants the team to improve. Unfortunately, we did not qualify for the World Cup.

“Why we did not qualify for the World Cup is the players. It's the fault of the players because you can see the games, they are even blaming themselves. They are not happy.”

With the World Cup dream over, the Super Eagles can look forward to the AFCON 2027 qualifiers set to kick off in September. They've been drawn into Group L alongside Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar and Tanzania.

The 22-year-old centre-back joined Cesena on loan from Serie A side Parma Calcio 1913 for the campaign, but he struggled to establish himself as a regular starter as the club battled for a place in the promotion play-offs.

Toluwanimi's loan agreement officially runs until June 30, 2026. The deal includes an option for Cesena to make the transfer permanent, while Parma retain a counter-option that would allow them to bring him back even if the Serie B club decide to buy him.

With no indication that Cesena are preparing to activate the purchase clause, the Nigerian-born defender is expected to return to Parma, where he remains under contract until June 2027.

His time at Cesena was largely spent on the fringes of the first team. Across a 38-match Serie B season, Toluwanimi made only seven league appearances, starting twice and coming off the bench on five occasions.

The defender accumulated 263 minutes of football, failed to register a goal or assist, and collected two yellow cards. His average performance rating stood at 5.9.

Toluwanimi's final appearances of the season showed his reduced role within the squad. He played the full 90 minutes in a 3-2 home defeat to Spezia on February 21 before making substitute appearances against Frosinone and Mantova in March. After that, he spent much of the campaign's closing weeks on the bench or outside the matchday squad.

Toluwanimi still remains a Super Eagles option

Although Toluwanimi has represented Sweden at youth level, he remains eligible to play for Nigeria at senior international level.

Born in Abuja on May 22, 2004, the defender moved to Sweden during his childhood and developed his football career there. He began his youth journey with IFK Östersund before continuing his development at GIF Sundsvall.

His breakthrough came with Östersunds FK, where his performances in Sweden's second division attracted interest from Parma.

Internationally, Amoran has represented Sweden's U18, U19, U20 and U21 teams. However, because he has not played a competitive senior match for Sweden, he still has the option of switching allegiance to Nigeria in the future.

Ashley Cole also heading for Cesena exit

Amoran's departure could coincide with that of former Chelsea, Arsenal and England star Ashley Cole, whose short managerial spell at Cesena appears to be coming to an end.

Cole arrived at the club in mid-March after Cesena dismissed Michele Mignani while the team were still pushing for a Serie B play-off position. The appointment is Cole's first full-time role as a senior head coach.

The former left-back's arrival generated controversy from the start. Reports in Italy suggested that sections of the fanbase, some players and even members of the club hierarchy were unhappy with the decision to remove Mignani midway through the season.

Mignani had overseen a difficult run of eight defeats in his final 13 matches, but Cesena remained in the play-off places when he was dismissed.

Cole's time in charge failed to improve results. Across eight league matches, he managed just one victory, alongside three draws and four defeats.

Cesena eventually finished 11th in the Serie B standings, falling short of the promotion play-off positions they had targeted earlier in the campaign.

Recent reports from Italy indicate that discussions over a possible contract extension have cooled considerably. With Cole's current deal expiring on June 30, the former England international is now widely expected to leave the club before preparations begin for the 2026-27 season.

The Atlas Lions became the first African team to reach the semi-final of the Copa Mundial, achieving the feat at the previous edition in Qatar, before eventually losing to France.

They kicked off their 2026 campaign with a brilliant performance against Brazil, impressing and showing they can replicate the same run they embarked on four years ago.

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Hakimi's case can derail Morocco – Garba Lawal

Morocco's captain, Achraf Hakimi, is set to stand trial for rape after a woman accused the Paris St-Germain star of raping her in his Paris apartment three years ago.

The former Borussia Dortmund defender has maintained his innocence, claiming he's glad justice will soon prevail.

“The justice system looked me in the eye and said, ‘If you weren't famous, there would never have been a case,'” Hakimi wrote on his X page on Friday.

“I chose to remain silent for years. I believed that maintaining my dignity, being patient, and trusting in the justice system would allow the right decisions to be made.

“Today, a story that isn't mine is being told at the expense of my family, my life, and above all, the truth. I sometimes feel like I've become an easy target.

“I've been waiting for this trial since day one. And now I'm eagerly awaiting it. Finally, I'll be able to speak,” the three-time UEFA Champions League winner concluded.

While Hakimi is keen on clearing his name, Garba Lawal, who represented Nigeria at two World Cup tournaments, believes the off-pitch noise surrounding the case could upset the African Champions mentally.

“I just can’t understand why it is coming up at this stage and it could be a distraction to him,” the former Roda JC midfielder said in an interview with Footy Africa.

“If someone is playing in the World Cup, leave him alone until after the tournament, you can bring it up.

“Nobody knows the full truth of the story, but he has a chance to clear his name, so let’s wait and see what really happened.”

“The player should be focused on representing his country. Let him play the tournament and see how it pans out. But I just can’t understand the timing,” Lawal continued.

“Of course, it’s a distraction to any team, but the team [Ghana] should cope without Partey.

“They once had players like Abedi Pele and Michael Essien, and they coped without them after retirement.

“However, this situation is different because this player is currently part of the squad. I

“If he wasn’t involved, it would be another matter. Right now, it’s World Cup time. Looking at the whole situation, the allegations are very troubling,” the 1996 Olympic Gold medallist concluded.

Morocco will play against Haiti in their final Group C game after defeating Scotland on Friday.

The Turkish champions have already shown their commitment by turning Osimhen's loan move into a permanent transfer worth €75 million, a deal that broke the Turkish transfer record.

Osimhen repaid that trust by leading the club to another Super Lig title as well as an impressive outing in the UEFA Champions League. His displays have again caught the attention of Europe's biggest clubs, with a reported verbal offer of €120 million from Atlético Madrid already rejected.

While the Nigeria international continues to pop up on the radar of wealthy suitors, Galatasaray have made clear that they have no intention of selling the former Napoli ace.

It may even appear that club executives are preparing a powerful gesture to convince Osimhen to remain in Istanbul beyond the summer transfer window.

According to reports from Turkey, Galatasaray's latest plan is to hand Osimhen the club captaincy ahead of the 2026/27 season. The move would place him at the centre of the club's sporting project as they prepare for another league and UEFA Champions League campaign. Interestingly, this comes a couple of days after a former international insists that Osimhen is unfit to be Super Eagles captain.

Head coach Okan Buruk is reportedly fully behind the idea. The former Turkish international has repeatedly praised Osimhen's influence in the dressing room, his leadership qualities on the pitch, and the energy he brings to the squad.

The captaincy proposal is also linked to the future of Argentine striker Mauro Icardi, who is the current skipper. If Icardi leaves the club during this transfer window, Osimhen is expected to inherit Galatasaray's famous No. 9 jersey.

Osimhen previously declined the Galatasaray captain's armband during a match, choosing instead to show respect to senior midfielder İlkay Gündoğan. Galatasaray now want to make the leadership role permanent and demonstrate how highly he is valued at the club.

Victor Osimhen: Galatasaray's strategy amid Man United, Arsenal interest

Galatasaray's determination to keep Osimhen comes as interest grows from several top European clubs, especially in the Premier League.

Manchester United are believed to be among the strongest contenders for the 27-year-old striker. New manager Michael Carrick reportedly sees Osimhen as his dream signing after United secured a third-place Premier League finish.

The Red Devils are looking to strengthen their attack as Joshua Zirkzee is expected to leave Old Trafford. Osimhen is viewed as the proven goalscorer capable of leading United's frontline alongside Benjamin Šeško.

Reports suggest United could be prepared to spend between £110 million and £130 million to convince Galatasaray to sell. Osimhen himself has previously described links with Manchester United as an honour, although he has left negotiations to his representatives.

Arsenal are also pushing strongly for the Super Eagles forward. Manager Mikel Arteta is believed to see Osimhen as the final piece needed to transform the Gunners into and Champions League winners.

Sporting director Andrea Berta has reportedly held discussions with Galatasaray president Dursun Özbek as Arsenal explore a potential deal. The North London club are said to be working on a package worth around €130 million, with the total financial commitment potentially reaching £200 million once wages and bonuses are included.

Chelsea remain interested but are currently taking a more cautious approach than their Premier League rivals.

Osimhen currently earns a record-breaking salary package worth €15 million per year, making him the highest-paid player in Turkish football history.

The Atlas Lions face Haiti in their final Group C game at the Mundial, knowing that they will book their place in the Round of 32 if they avoid defeat in that encounter next Wednesday.

Morocco have picked up four points from their opening two matches as they continue their quest to replicate their historic 2022 run, where they reached the semi-finals in Qatar and became the first African country to achieve that feat since the inception of the World Cup.

While the African side were very impressive in their opening group game against Brazil – taking the lead through Ismael Saibari before Vinicius Junior equalized for the five-time world champions, they were largely underwhelming in their second game against Scotland.

Despite their below-par performance, Saibari’s early goal – his second of the tournament, was enough to seal a 1-0 win and put them on the brink of qualification for the next round.

Oshaniwa explains how Morocco can avoid shock World Cup result against Haiti

Morocco now face Haiti in their final group game as strong favourites against a side ranked 87th in the FIFA World Rankings. 

They must also win convincingly if they want a chance of finishing top of the group and potentially setting up a knockout-round clash against the Netherlands, Japan, or Sweden.

Reflecting on Morocco’s performances so far, Super Eagles 2014 World Cup star Juwon Oshaniwa praised their desire and determination in both of their matches at the tournament.

“Morocco has done very well. It was a difficult game, but football is not played outside the pitch or on paper; it is played on the pitch”, the ex-Hearts defender said, via Footy-Africa. 

“It’s something you have to go out there and prove. You need to show desire, demonstrate how much you want it, and put in the effort to secure the maximum three points, which they managed to do.

“Anyone coming to the World Cup knows there are no jokes and no push-over teams. Scotland are a good side, they beat Haiti in their opening game, but Morocco are also a fantastic team. They know what they are doing, what they want, and how to approach games. They are technically gifted and can go far in this tournament.”

Oshaniwa is of the opinion that Morocco have the quality in their squad to overcome Haiti comfortably in their next clash, given the calibre of players they have.

However, the former Hearts left-back warned them against underestimating the North American side and stressed that Morocco must maintain full focus, as there are no easy games at this level, especially with several top teams already dropping points.

“I think that if they stick to what they do best, considering the calibre of talent in that squad, they should be able to secure the maximum three points”, he continued.

“However, that does not mean it will be rosy or a walk in the park for them. They will still have to go out there and fight for those three points if they want to progress to the next round without headache.”

Morocco will advance to the next round with a point against Haiti in their final group game. However, they can top the group if they secure a win and Brazil fail to win their own clash against Scotland on Wednesday.

While Pisa are preparing to officially welcome new coach Paolo Bianco, attention is also focused on Akinsanmiro's future. The 21-year-old impressed during his loan spell with the Tuscan club and has now become the centre of an important transfer decision involving Pisa and Inter Milan.

Pisa have already activated the €7.5 million purchase option included in the loan agreement that brought the former Remo Stars Academy player to the club. However, Inter still hold a buy-back clause worth €8.5 million and have until the agreed deadline on Sunday (midnight) to decide whether they want to bring him back to San Siro, as per Cascia Notizie.

The situation is made even more interesting by Akinsanmiro's contract status. Despite Pisa's move to sign him permanently, the midfielder remains tied to Inter on a long-term deal running until June 2030. If Inter activate their buy-back clause, they could either include him in their senior squad plans or send him on another development loan.

Akinsanmiro: Why Pisa want to keep Nigeria lad

Pisa's determination to secure Akinsanmiro is easy to understand after his performances during the 2025-26 Serie A campaign.

Although Pisa struggled collectively and eventually suffered relegation, the Nigerian emerged as one of the club's brightest performers in Italy's top flight. He made 24 league appearances, accumulated around 1,450 minutes of action and established himself as a reliable presence in midfield.

His passing accuracy of 85 percent showed his ability to retain possession against strong Serie A opposition, while his defensive contribution was equally impressive. Akinsanmiro registered 22 interceptions and 23 successful tackles, helping Pisa compete against some of the division's biggest clubs.

The midfielder also created 14 chances and provided one assist, showing his ability to contribute in both defensive and attacking phases of the game.

Those displays convinced Pisa that he can be a key figure as they attempt to bounce back from relegation and challenge for promotion from Serie B next season. However, before they can fully plan around him, they must wait for Inter Milan's final decision tonight.

​The second round of games at the World Cup has started, and most teams are looking to win to qualify or put themselves in a strong position to reach the round of 32.

​Teams like Turkey, Tunisia, and Haiti have already crashed out after losing their first two games of the tournament.

On the other hand, Mexico, the USA, and Germany have sealed their spots in the knockout rounds.

​One of the games of particular interest to African fans is the clash between Ghana and England.

The June 23 fixture will be played at Gillette Stadium, USA, and considering how both teams performed in their opening matches, it promises to be an exciting encounter.

​Historically, both teams have met just once, which resulted in a 1-1 draw in March 2011.

​What William Troost-Ekong Said About the England vs Ghana World Cup Fixture

​Troost-Ekong, who just retired from international football last year, played against both England and Ghana in the course of his time with the Super Eagles, so he has a good grasp of what it means to face them.

​Ahead of the fixture on Tuesday, he noted that Ghana will draw confidence from their win against Panama in their first game and, as a result, will give the Three Lions a tough fight.

​”I would love Ghana to go and do well. I think the beauty of the World Cup is that all the teams—even when we've been at the World Cup before—want to see the other African teams do well. I think it's very important for the continent,” Troost-Ekong told ESPN.

​”Besides the rivalry where we play against each other, often there's also a lot of love, because we know the players well. Maybe from my perspective now, having retired from the national team, it's easier to say that.

​”I was very happy with their performance against Panama [in a 1-0 win]. Leading up to the game against England, there are a lot of positives. I thought they looked very resilient in that game.

​”I think the substitutions in the second half—especially Brandon Thomas-Asante and Abdul Fatawu—made a really big difference. I think they've given [England] something to think about.”

​For both countries, a win would book a spot in the round of 32. A draw would also seal their advancement, though they would not be assured of finishing at the summit of the group.

​In terms of quality, the Three Lions are head and shoulders above the Black Stars. But in the end, 90 minutes on the pitch will determine the result.

Nwaiwu only joined the Black Sea Storm in a €5.5 million move from Austrian side Wolfsberger during the winter transfer window, but he has already attracted attention from Premier League club Fulham, Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen and Italian side Lazio.

The 22-year-old centre-back quickly established himself as a key figure in Trabzonspor’s defence and went on to make 21 appearances in all competitions, missing only two matches from his debut until the end of the season.

He played the full 90 minutes as Trabzonspor defeated Konyaspor 2-1, with fellow Nigerian Paul Onuachu scoring both goals to secure the Turkish Cup title last month, marking their first trophy since lifting the Turkish Super Cup in 2022.

Nwaiwu’s impressive form also earned him a call-up to the Super Eagles under head coach Eric Chelle and he came on for his debut in Nigeria’s 2-1 win over Iran in March. The young defender also featured in both matches of the Unity Cup triumph last month, where he formed an important defensive partnership with Igor Ogbu.

Despite arriving only midway through the season, Nwaiwu’s performances have caught the attention of top clubs, raising the possibility of another move just months after his arrival in Turkey.

Trabzonspor reject Fulham’s bid for Nwaiwu

According to Fotomac, Trabzonspor have reportedly rejected a Fulham offer worth up to €20 million, approximately N31 billion, for Nwaiwu.

Fulham are already planning for the future, with Morocco international Issa Diop’s contract set to expire at the end of next season. Calvin Bassey’s deal also runs out at the same time, although the club have an option to extend his contract by a further year.

The Cottagers want Nwaiwu to be integrated into the squad early, especially if either Diop or Bassey fails to agree a new contract and leaves next summer.

The Premier League club are understood to have stepped up their pursuit of the Nigerian defender, moving ahead of Bayer Leverkusen and Lazio, as they look to strengthen their defensive options ahead of next season under new head coach Alvaro Arbeloa.

However, Trabzonspor’s rejection shows they are under no pressure to sell. The Black Sea Storm will only consider letting Nwaiwu leave if they receive a record-breaking offer that surpasses the €30 million Brighton paid Fenerbahce for Ferdi Kadioglu in 2024, making the Super Eagles defender the most expensive sale in Turkish football history.

Fulham are expected to return with an improved offer in the coming weeks and if a deal is agreed between both clubs, it would see Nwaiwu link up with his countrymen, Bassey and Alex Iwobi at Craven Cottage.

The stunning move could see the Barcelona legend share a dressing room with former Fulham striker Stefano Okaka, the Italy international who twice rejected opportunities to represent Nigeria.

Ronaldinho, who hung his boots 11 years ago, has officially signed an agreement with Ravenna at the age of 46, according to SkySports. However, questions remain over whether the 2002 FIFA World Cup winner will actually play a competitive match for the club during the 2026–27 season.

The former AC Milan star will be officially unveiled at a major event in Miami on June 23, where Ravenna are also expected to present details of the partnership and launch their new kits.

The deal goes beyond a normal player contract. Ravenna owner Ignazio Cipriani has brought Ronaldinho in as a global ambassador for the club, with provisions that could eventually see the Brazilian become a shareholder and co-owner.

Speaking after the announcement, Ronaldinho said: “New colours, same smile.

“I can't wait to be able to dance on the ball again to write a new story together with Ignazio and the whole Cipriani family. Football has always been a source of joy for me, I want to bring the same spirit to Ravenna.”

Cipriani, who spent much of his life in the United States before taking charge of the Italian club, described the acquisition as a landmark moment.

“I spent 24 years of my life in the United States, but I still consider Ravenna my home. Acquiring Ronaldinho is something absolutely extraordinary for the club; he was my idol, and his impact on football goes beyond what he did on the pitch.”

Okaka could line up with Ronaldinho

If Ronaldinho is given any minutes on the pitch, one player who could feature alongside him is veteran striker Stefano Okaka.

The 36-year-old forward joined Ravenna in September 2025 and scored three goals during the 2025–26 Serie C campaign. He also featured in the club's promotion play-off run as Ravenna narrowly miss out on a place in Serie B.

Okaka is well known to Nigerian football fans because of his decision to represent Italy despite repeated approaches from Nigeria.

Born in Italy to Nigerian parents, he first turned down an invitation from the Nigeria Football Federation in 2006 when he was just 17 years old and eligible for the Flying Eagles. He later rejected another approach before the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Explaining his decision at the time, Okaka said that although he respected his Nigerian roots, he did not know the country's language or culture well enough and would have felt “like a foreigner” playing for Nigeria.

Months after declining Nigeria's offer for a second time, Okaka accepted a senior Italy call-up from Antonio Conte. He crowned his debut in November 2014 by scoring the winning goal against Albania and went on to earn five caps for the Azzurri.

Ravenna are coached by 65-year-old manager Andrea Mandorlini, who previously handled Atalanta, Bologna and Sassuolo.

This is even as former Super Eagles and Lazio midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has heaped praises on the Argentine captain after his impressive start to the tournament.

Football fans are closely watching what could be the final World Cup appearances of the two global icons. Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has even struggled to pick a favourite between the two legendary attackers.

Both Messi and Ronaldo have made history by becoming the first male players to feature in six different FIFA World Cups, and the tournament format has opened up the possibility of a long-awaited knockout clash between the rivals.

The opening matches of the competition produced very different outcomes for the two stars. Messi inspired Argentina to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Algeria in Group J, scoring all three goals, a win that erased an ugly Nigerian record. The hat-trick took his World Cup tally to 16 goals, drawing level with Germany legend Miroslav Klose as the competition’s all-time leading scorer. Critics, though, were surprised that Messi was not sent off in that game against Algeria.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, endured a frustrating afternoon as Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by African debutants DR Congo in Group K. The Portuguese captain, aged 41 years and 123 days, became the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup match but failed to register a shot on target.

Onazi salutes Messi’s longevity

Onazi, who came up against Messi during Nigeria’s World Cup meetings with Argentina in Brazil 2014 and Russia 2018, said the Inter Miami forward continues to prove that elite talent can overcome the challenges of age.

“Messi, as we all know, is world class. At his age, he is still doing wonders. This is to show the level of talent and to remind everyone that age is just a number when you have class,” Onazi said as per Punch.

The former Trabzonspor midfielder was a key member of Nigeria’s squad at the 2014 World Cup, starting all four matches before the Super Eagles were knocked out by France in the Round of 16. He also represented Nigeria at the 2018 tournament and was part of the team that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

Reflecting on Messi’s consistency over the years, Onazi added:

“He has consistently shown his world-class performance any time, any day. He does not talk too much, he just shows his work on the pitch.”

With Argentina and Portugal placed in different groups, a meeting between Messi and Ronaldo can only happen in the knockout rounds. Depending on how both teams progress, the football greats could meet in the Round of 16, the quarter-finals on July 11, or even the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.

The expanded tournament, being staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico, features a record 10 African representatives. After the opening rounds of matches, several teams from the continent have produced results that have strengthened belief that Africa could finally claim its first World Cup crown since the competition began in 1930.

Morocco, Africa's highest-ranked side, held tournament favourites Brazil to a goalless draw before beating Scotland one-nil, as predicted. Ivory Coast and Ghana recorded heartwarming victories over Ecuador and Panama, respectively. Cape Verde, making their World Cup debut, frustrated former champions Spain in a 0-0 draw, while DR Congo earned a 1-1 result against Portugal despite the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo. Tunisia, though, fell to a humbling loss against Sweden and have been backed to stage a comeback.

Those performances have convinced Eguavoen that the traditional gap between Africa and football's established giants such as Spain, France, Argentina, Brazil and Germany has become much smaller than in previous decades.

World Cup: Eguavoen on why Africa can now compete with the world's best

Speaking to Flashscore.com, Eguavoen said recent World Cups were often dominated by a handful of favourites, but believes the landscape has changed significantly.

“What we saw like three or four editions back at the World Cup, you could clearly say that Brazil would win it, Argentina would win, Spain or Germany, but it's not so anymore,” Eguavoen said.

“We're closing the gap, so I believe Africa has a real chance. The good thing is that FIFA has made this tournament very open. If you play well, you win games.”

The former Nigeria defender pointed to the growing number of African players competing regularly in Europe's elite leagues and clubs as one of the main reasons behind the continent's progress.

“When I talk about our players, I mean African players in general. The majority are now playing in Europe's top leagues alongside some of the world's best footballers at the biggest clubs. They only come together with their national teams to compete, so they already know each other's qualities and what to expect.”

Eguavoen also suggested that the 2026 competition may not necessarily be won by one of the usual football superpowers.

“I wouldn't be surprised if one of the traditional football powerhouses doesn't win the tournament. They might, or they might not, because I believe every top team now has an equal chance.”

Africa's belief is rooted in recent World Cup history. At the 2022 tournament in Qatar, Morocco produced the greatest campaign ever by an African nation, finishing fourth after defeating Belgium in the group stage and eliminating both Spain and Portugal in the knockout rounds.

The Atlas Lions became the first African and Arab nation to reach a World Cup semi-final, proving that teams from the continent can compete with and defeat elite opponents on football's biggest stage.

Before Morocco's historic achievement, Cameroon, Senegal and Ghana had all reached the quarter-finals. Cameroon stunned defending champions Argentina in the opening match of Italia '90 before advancing to the last eight. Senegal defeated reigning champions France at the 2002 World Cup and also reached the quarter-finals, while Ghana came within a penalty kick of the semi-finals in South Africa in 2010 before losing dramatically to Uruguay.

Nigeria have also enjoyed memorable World Cup moments. The Super Eagles reached the Round of 16 in 1994, 1998 and 2014, with their debut campaign in the United States particularly impressive as they topped a group that included Argentina and Bulgaria.